Digipoll: Most NZers don't mind US Navy warship visits

Asked whether United States ships should be allowed to visit New Zealand ports, given the navy removed its nuclear weapons in 1992, 61.9 per cent said "yes"; 33.8 per cent disagreed.

The poll is referring to nuclear-powered as well as conventionally-powered ships.

Clark's reply:

Prime Minister Helen Clark said through a spokesman that if the United States were to seek permission to send a conventionally-powered navy vessel here - as the British and French do - that would be granted.

Nearly every single American aircraft carrier, all their submarines, and even a couple of smaller surface ships are nuclear powered. Much of the conventionally-powered US Navy is designed to defend and supply these capital ships; ie they're not often found wandering by themselves in the southern Pacific Ocean.

NZ Herald: Poll favours US ship visits